I wonder, as I sit in an ultra modern corporate coffee house sipping the latest flavored java offering, had I been alive at a different time, would I have appreciated the grandeur and classic architectural stylings of what are now century old buildings?
There is a simplicity and functional pragmatism to early 20th century commercial buildings. What I now see as nostalgia was once as cutting edge as one could get, and yet the overall look and feel to these buildings is homogenous no matter where you look. Examples abound. However, my favorite haunts proudly displaying examples include Great Falls, Montana, Fort McLeod, Alberta, and Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta.
Long before cookie-cutter shopping malls invaded the landscape, main streets in communities were hubs of commerce, living, and entertainment. The general merchantile store, pharmacist, dress maker, and candy store would occupy the storefronts of several buildings, their proprietors living in the apartment above.
Ah yes, times back then were simpler in many ways.
Gazing up the street assaults my eyes here on Whyte Avenue as buildings that stood the test of time are now branded by back lit pylon beacons shamefully marketing multinational corporations rather than paying homage to the pioneer entrepreneurial spirit on the backbone of which this city was founded and subsequently flourished.
They call this the inevitable steps forward of progress.
The mix of tenant shops has also narrowed considerably on Whyte Avenue. Even twenty years ago, the ma and pa style stores prevailed, giving the architecture a prominent friend, preserving a historical feel as well as a true representation of an earlier lifestyle. Now, just about all those shops have vanished, replaced by franchises and household corporate names, including the coffeehouse I chose to patronize. If I can just stare at the top half of the buildings, I can convince myself I am transported to another era. But alas, my line of sight must include many of the storefronts and logos found in any mall.
Still, there is a nifty assortment of interesting shops that probably would find it difficult to survive elsewhere. The hustle and bustle of this trendy swath of Edmonton is both puzzling and enriching at the same time.
Hip university students pace the sidewalks at the all knowing pace of familiarity in step with fashionistas window shopping for that one of a kind accessory or trend setting dress sure to be discovered, while sidestepping those new couples ambling hand in hand on a first date.
With Edmonton being home to what was once lauded as the world's largest mall, the city is a Mecca for tourists and rural Albertans alike looking for a day or two of die-hard shopping. There are plenty of malls and outlet-styled shopping centres to strain any credit card, particularly in the south and west sections, none of which can hold a candle to the unique atmosphere of Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue.
As the city hitches its horse to downtown development, there may be some opportunity to duplicate the energy emitted from Whyte Avenue, not as an either / or destination, but more as a complimentary experience that could be used as its own marketing ploy for Edmonton.
Already, 124th Street from Jasper Avenue northward is home to funky stores, fantastic eateries, and fabulous galleries. Less well-known than its neighbors south of the river, 124th Street struggles to connect to buyers. Rarely does one ever hear of an event occurring on 124th and this lack of excitement about their own area is bound to have consequences as rival economic development nodes get their act together to compete. Even Alberta Avenue, having so much less to work with, does a much better job of keeping itself top of mind for consumers.
As the eastern part of downtown is redeveloped with the new museum and a swanky hotel, a new wave of entrepreneurs will identify the perfect fit for their wares. The difference here of course, is that the architecture will be modern, owing to the lack of character buildings remaining in this niche area that has been seen in recent memory as a tick on a dog.
As I finish sipping my java, again peering as far as I can along Whyte Avenue, the endless procession of people passing this window and others, convinces me that this fairly unique chisled area of what is now in Edmonton will continue to lure those to see and be seen, to inhale history and breathe out the future, and to discover the ever changing present.
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